Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record for substances by embedding biomarkers in its strands as they grow. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it offers approximately a 3-month detection period for substances. The collection process is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional analyses, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be retrieved. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
Processing a drug test result in a lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary entry of a sample into the lab system, ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial brief assessment for drug presence. Though Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result demands confirmation for legal validity. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
A presumptively positive sample in Screening leads to additional hair being taken from the initial collection for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is notoriously challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed for confirming positive screenings. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives are cleaned as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, complies with standards set by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," this analysis assesses the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle
In Mountville, PA, hair follicle testing presents a significant advantage over urine tests. Hair tests detect drug use within a 90-day window, offering superior accuracy and dependability. In contrast, urine tests have a limited detection period, which may not fully capture past drug use. This broader window allows employers and officials a more comprehensive view of substance histories.
Hair follicle testing in Mountville, PA provides an extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use. This long detection period aids employers in assessing the full scope of a candidate's or employee's past substance use, offering an all-encompassing view that short-term methods like urine tests may not provide. It uncovers patterns and timelines of use, enhancing the screening process.
Employers in Mountville, PA trust hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant nature. Hair samples are collected through a supervised process, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This secure methodology ensures that the test results remain unquestionable and dependable, providing peace of mind and reliability in knowing the results reflect true substance use.
Our extensive network of testing centers, including locations in Mountville, PA, provides convenient and nationwide access to testing services. We ensure that testing is not only quick and easy but also hassle-free, with local centers readily available for all testing needs, streamlining the testing process for organizations and individuals alike.
The hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential in Mountville, PA. Ordering, sample collection, and receiving results are straightforward, maintaining privacy at all steps. This approach ensures users' concerns are addressed, offering a seamless experience in ensuring accurate and discreet testing results.
In Mountville, PA, we offer affordable pricing and rapid result processing for hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structure is designed for companies of various sizes, providing value for money while ensuring prompt turnaround times. This enables organizations to receive necessary information efficiently, supporting their operations and decision-making.
In Mountville, PA, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable detection of substance use. This method surpasses traditional testing with precise results, rapidly determining an individual's history of use. By analyzing hair samples, results are both swift and detailed, recognizing traces of substances accurately to support critical decisions.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Mountville, PA ensures employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The comprehensive nature of these tests aids in reducing legal risks associated with drug use. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they adhere to regulatory standards and enhance workplace safety, while supporting a healthier work environment.
